Golf ball marker and alignment tool

ABSTRACT

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided multiple embodiments of a golf ball marking and alignment tool. In each embodiment of the present invention, the tool comprises an elongate body portion which defines opposed, generally planar first (top) and second (bottom) surfaces, and a longitudinal axis. Disposed on the top surface and extending along at least a portion of the length of the longitudinal axis is an alignment line. The alignment line preferably extends along the entire length of the longitudinal axis of the body portion, and comprises a channel, the inner surface of which is preferably coated or painted with a dark colored (e.g., black) material. The alignment tool may optionally further comprise one or more pin portions which are integrally connected to the bottom surface of the body portion at prescribed point(s) relative to the longitudinal axis defined thereby. A single pin portion included on the body portion may be used to allow the body portion to be selectively rotated or swiveled along the axis defined by the pin portion. Two pin portions, if included on the body portion, may be used to securely fix or anchor the tool to the putting surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/239,394 entitled BALL MARKER ALIGNMENT TOOL filed Sep. 2, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/305,269 entitled BALL MARKER ALIGNMENT TOOL filed Feb. 17, 2010.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the game of golf and, more particularly, to a golf ball marker which is uniquely configured to provide the added functionality of an alignment tool on a putting green.

2. Description of the Related Art

When playing the game of golf, according to protocol, up to four players (i.e., a foursome) play each hole together. Usually, all players in a particular group are allowed to reach the green prior to any one of the players putting their ball into the cup or hole. Generally, the player whose ball is furthest from the hole is allowed to putt first. It often occurs that another player's golf ball is in a position between the putter's ball and the hole such that it is possible that the putter's ball will strike the other player's golf ball as it rolls toward the hole. In order to avoid contact between the golf balls, the spot of the interfering ball is typically marked with a ball marker.

For many players, the golf ball marker of choice is a coin such as a quarter or a dime. As an alternative to the use of coins, many players will use plastic golf ball markers provided by the golf course at which they are playing, such markers typically comprising a small, circular disc portion which has a pin portion protruding from the center of one side or face thereof. In use, the pin portion of such ball marker is advanced into the putting surface on the green until such time as the disc portion of the ball marker assumes a substantially flush relationship to the putting surface. Other currently used ball markers include small, circularly configured discs made of metal which have the same basic size characteristics of a coin, but are often imprinted with a particular brand or logo, and may be magnetically attached to a complimentary metallic base affixed to a golf glove, hat, visor, etc.

In golf, putting is often considered to be one of the most difficult aspects of the game. When attempting to put a golf ball into the hole on the green, the golfer will typically attempt to align the direction of the golf ball with the hole, and putt the golf ball toward the hole. Though the player will on occasion aim the golf ball directly at the hole when putting, more often, the player must aim the ball at a point removed from the hole to compensate for the slope and/or undulations of the green. In aiming the golf ball toward the hole, it is often useful for the player to have a mark or a line on a portion of the circumference of the golf ball for alignment with the desired target line on the putting surface of the green, and to strike the golf ball with the putter head such that the putter face is perpendicular to the ball circumference, and thus the line thereon, thereby propelling the ball toward the hole along the target line. Golf balls often have printing or similar markings on at least a portion of the golf ball circumference that may be useful in the above-described putting alignment.

However, a deficiency with marks or lines on the circumference of the golf ball is that the length of such line, as visually apparent to the golfer when looking down on the golf ball in a normal putting stance, is typically insufficient to provide a strong visual indication confirming the desired line of the putt. The present invention, as will be described in more detail below, addresses this particular shortcoming by providing a golf ball marker which may be placed behind the golf ball to provide a conventional marking function, but further includes a ball marker line which may be aligned with the alignment indicia on the golf ball to create a continuous line of increased length which is useful in confirming the line of the putt along the intended putt target line.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided multiple embodiments of a golf ball marking and alignment tool. In each embodiment of the present invention, the tool comprises an elongate body portion which defines opposed, generally planar first (top) and second (bottom) surfaces, and a longitudinal axis. Disposed on the top surface and extending along at least a portion of the length of the longitudinal axis is an alignment line. The alignment line preferably extends along the entire length of the longitudinal axis of the body portion, and comprises a channel, the inner surface of which is preferably coated or painted with a dark colored (e.g., black) material. The alignment tool may optionally further comprise one or more pin portions which are integrally connected to the bottom surface of the body portion at prescribed point(s) relative to the longitudinal axis defined thereby. A single pin portion included on the body portion may be used to allow the body portion to be selectively rotated or swiveled along the axis defined by the pin portion. Two pin portions, if included on the body portion, may be used to securely fix or anchor the tool to the putting surface.

The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These, as well as other features of the present invention, will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a golf ball marker constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the golf ball marker shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the golf ball marker shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a golf ball marker constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the golf ball marker shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the golf ball marker shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the golf ball marker shown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate an exemplary sequence of steps for using the golf ball marker shown in FIGS. 1 and 4;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a golf ball marker constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of a golf ball marker shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the golf ball marker shown in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the golf ball marker shown in FIG. 11.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-3 depict a golf ball marker 10 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The marker 10 comprises an elongate body portion 12 which, from the perspective shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, defines a generally planar first (top) surface 14, and an opposed, generally planar second (bottom) surface 16. In addition, the body portion 12 defines a continuous peripheral edge which comprises a spaced, generally parallel pair of longitudinally extending peripheral edge segments 18 which are interconnected by an opposed pair of arcuate (i.e., convex) peripheral edge segments 20. In this regard, as best seen in FIG. 1, the body portion 12 defines a longitudinal axis A which extends between the arcuate peripheral edge segments 20, the longitudinally extending peripheral edge segments 18 being equidistantly spaced from and extending in substantially parallel relation to the axis A. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the body portion 12 has a preferred length L of approximately 2.0 inches, a preferred width W of approximately 1.0 inches, and a preferred thickness or height H of approximately 0.0625 inches. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the length, width and height dimensions of the body portion 12 may be varied from those set forth above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The golf ball marker 10 of the present invention further includes an alignment line 22 which is disposed on the top surface 14 of the body portion 12. More particularly, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the alignment line 22 comprises an elongate groove or channel 24 which is formed in the top surface 14 of the body portion 12, and extends along the entire length of the longitudinal axis A thereof, i.e., the channel 24 extends between the arcuate peripheral edge segments 20 of the body portion 12. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the channel 24 has a preferred width of approximately 0.0625 inches, and a preferred depth of approximately 0.008 inches. Additionally, as is best seen in FIG. 1, the inner surface of the channel 24 preferably includes a dark colored (e.g., black) paint, ink, or other substance applied thereto to make the channel 24 visually prominent in comparison to the remainder of the top surface 14 of the body portion 12 which is preferably provided in the color white or another light color easily distinguishable from the darker alignment line 22. In this regard, the body portion 12 is preferably fabricated from a metal or plastic material. If fabricated from a metal material, the body portion 12 may be painted to impart a white or other light color thereto.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, there is shown a golf ball marker 100 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The marker 100 comprises an elongate body portion 112 which, from the perspective shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, defines a generally planar first (top) surface 114, and an opposed, generally planar second (bottom) surface 116. In addition, the body portion 112 defines a continuous peripheral edge which comprises a spaced, generally parallel pair of longitudinally extending peripheral edge segments 118 which are interconnected by an opposed pair of arcuate (i.e., convex) peripheral edge segments 120. In this regard, as best seen in FIG. 4, the body portion 112 defines a longitudinal axis A which extends between the arcuate peripheral edge segments 120, the longitudinally extending peripheral edge segments 118 being equidistantly spaced from and extending in substantially parallel relation to the axis A. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the length, width and thickness/height dimensions of the body portion 112 are preferably the same as those described above in relation to the body portion 12 of the golf ball marker 10.

The golf ball marker 100 further includes an alignment line 122 which is disposed on the top surface 114 of the body portion 112. More particularly, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the alignment line 122 comprises an elongate groove or channel 124 which is formed in the top surface 114 of the body portion 112, and extends along the entire length of the longitudinal axis A thereof, i.e., the channel 124 extends between the arcuate peripheral edge segments 120 of the body portion 112. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the width and depth of dimensions of the channel 124 are preferably the same as those described above in relation to the channel 24 of the golf ball marker 10. Additionally, as is best seen in FIG. 4, the inner surface of the channel 124 preferably includes a dark colored (e.g., black) paint, ink, or other substance applied thereto to make the channel 124 visually prominent in comparison to the remainder of the top surface 114 of the body portion 112 which is preferably provided in the color white or another light color easily distinguishable from the darker alignment line 122. In this regard, the body portion 112 is preferably fabricated from a metal or plastic material. If fabricated from a metal material, the body portion 112 may be painted to impart a white or other light color thereto.

In addition to the body portion 112 and alignment line 122, the marker 100 constructed in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention further comprises a generally cylindrical pin portion 126 which is integrally connected to and protrudes generally perpendicularly from the bottom surface 116 of the body portion 112. More particularly, the pin portion 126 is oriented on the bottom surface 116 such that a pin axis PA defined by the pin portion 126 extends generally perpendicularly relative to the axis A defined by the body portion 112. Additionally, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pin portion 126 is oriented so as to be substantially aligned or flush with one of the arcuate peripheral edge segments 120 of the body portion 112. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the pin portion 126 has a preferred diameter of approximately 0.09375 inches and a preferred length of approximately 0.3125 inches. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the length and diameter dimensions of the pin portion 126 may be varied from those set forth above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As further seen in FIGS. 5-7, the marker 100 further preferably includes a pair of flange support portions 128 which are integrally connected to and extend between the pin portion 126 and the bottom surface 116 of the body portion 112. As will be recognized, the flange support portions 128 are used to reinforce the pin portion 126, and strengthen its attachment to the body portion 112, thus preventing the pin portion 126 from being easily broken or fractured from the body portion 112. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the inclusion of two flange support portions 128 is exemplary only, and that greater or fewer than two flange support portions 128 may be included in the marker 100 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, it is contemplated that the flange support portions 128 may be omitted in their entirety. The use of the pin portion 126, with out without the flange support portions 128 used to reinforce the same, will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, there is shown an exemplary sequence of steps for using the marker 100 described above. In use, the ball marker 100 is placed behind a golf ball 500 at rest on the putting surface 502 of the putting green. The pin portion 126 of the marker 100 is placed closest to the golf ball 500, and advanced into the putting surface 502. Subsequent to the positioning of the marker 100 in the aforementioned manner, the golf ball 500 may be lifted off the putting surface 502. After the golf ball 500 has been lifted from the putting surface 502, the marker 100 may be slightly adjusted as needed by swiveling or rotating the body portion 112 relative to the pin axis PA of the pin portion 126 so that the alignment line 122 follows along the intended target line for the putt. In this regard, the pin portion 126 provides a fixed pivot point or pivot axis at the front of the marker 100 originally disposed closest to the golf ball 500 as allows the golfer to adjust the marker 100 while preserving the original position of the golf ball 500 on the putting surface 502 of the green.

Thereafter, the golf ball 500 is replaced in front of the marker 100, with the stripe line 504 on the circumference of the golf ball 500 being aligned with the alignment line 122. The stripe line 504, when aligned with the alignment line 122, provides a continuous line of approximately three inches in length confirming the target line of the putt toward the hole 506. The marker 100 is removed from behind the golf ball 500 when the desired target line is confirmed. Since, as indicated above, the alignment of the golf ball stripe line 504 and the alignment line 122 provides a continuous straight line of almost three inches in length, the golfer is able to more easily visually confirm the intended line of break and putt target line.

The exemplary manner of using the marker 10 is substantially the same as described above in relation to the marker 100. However, due to the absence of the pin portion 126 in the marker 10, greater care must typically be taken in rotating or pivoting the same to achieve alignment with the desired target line. More particularly, care must be taken so as not shift the position of the marker 10 in manner causing a change to the original position of the golf ball 500 when the same is placed back in front of the marker 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, there is shown a golf ball marker 200 constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The marker 200 comprises an elongate body portion 212 which, from the perspective shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, defines a generally planar first (top) surface 214, and an opposed, generally planar second (bottom) surface 216. In addition, the body portion 212 defines a continuous peripheral edge which comprises a spaced, generally parallel pair of longitudinally extending peripheral edge segments 218 which are interconnected by an opposed pair of arcuate (i.e., convex) peripheral edge segments 220. In this regard, as best seen in FIG. 11, the body portion 212 defines a longitudinal axis A which extends between the arcuate peripheral edge segments 220, the longitudinally extending peripheral edge segments 218 being equidistantly spaced from and extending in substantially parallel relation to the axis A. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the body portion 212 has a preferred length L of approximately 3.50 inches, a preferred width W of approximately 1.0 inches, and a preferred thickness or height H of approximately 0.0625 inches. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the length, width and height dimensions of the body portion 212 may be varied from those set forth above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The golf ball marker 200 further includes an alignment line 222 which is disposed on the top surface 214 of the body portion 212. More particularly, as seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the alignment line 222 comprises an elongate groove or channel 224 which is formed in the top surface 214 of the body portion 212, and extends along the entire length of the longitudinal axis A thereof, i.e., the channel 224 extends between the arcuate peripheral edge segments 220 of the body portion 212. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the width and depth of dimensions of the channel 224 are preferably the same as those described above in relation to the channel 24 of the golf ball marker 10. Additionally, as is best seen in FIG. 11, the inner surface of the channel 224 preferably includes a dark colored (e.g., black) paint, ink, or other substance applied thereto to make the channel 224 visually prominent in comparison to the remainder of the top surface 214 of the body portion 212 which is preferably provided in the color white or another light color easily distinguishable from the darker alignment line 222. In this regard, the body portion 212 is preferably fabricated from a metal or plastic material. If fabricated from a metal material, the body portion 212 may be painted to impart a white or other light color thereto.

In addition to the body portion 212 and alignment line 222, the marker 200 constructed in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention further comprises a pair of generally cylindrical pin portion 226 which are each integrally connected to and protrude generally perpendicularly from the bottom surface 216 of the body portion 212. More particularly, each of the pin portions 226 is oriented on the bottom surface 216 such that a pin axis PA defined thereby extends generally perpendicularly relative to the axis A defined by the body portion 212. Additionally, as best seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, the pin portions 226 are oriented so as to be substantially aligned or flush with respective ones of the arcuate peripheral edge segments 220 of the body portion 212. By way of example and not by way of limitation, each pin portion 226 has a preferred diameter of approximately 0.09375 inches and a preferred length of approximately 0.3125 inches. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the length and diameter dimensions of the pin portions 226 may be varied from those set forth above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As further seen in FIGS. 12-14, the marker 200 further preferably includes two pairs of flange support portions 228, each such pair being integrally connected to and extending between one of the pin portions 226 and the bottom surface 216 of the body portion 212. As will be recognized, each pair of the flange support portions 228 is used to reinforce a corresponding one of the pin portions 226, and strengthen its attachment to the body portion 212, thus preventing such pin portion 226 from being easily broken or fractured from the body portion 212. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the inclusion of two flange support portions 228 with each pin portion 226 is exemplary only, and that greater or fewer than two flange support portions 228 may be used in conjunction with each pin portion 226 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, it is contemplated that the flange support portions 228 may be omitted in their entirety.

The exemplary manner of using the marker 200 is similar to that described above in relation to the marker 100. However, due to the inclusion of the opposed pair of pin portions 226 in the marker 200, the same is incapable of being rotated or swiveled upon the putting surface 502 of the green. As such, the marker 200 finds greater utility in use as a practice aid than as an alignment tool to be used during an the play of an actual round of golf. In the regard, the increased length of the body portion 212 of the marker 200 in comparison to the body portions 12, 112 of the markers 10, 100 provides a continuous straight line of over four inches in length which is particularly useful during practice to allow the golfer to more easily visually confirm the intended line of break and putt target line.

This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. Numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by the specification, such as variations in structure, dimension, type of material and manufacturing process may be implemented by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure. 

1. A golf ball marking and alignment tool, comprising: an elongate body portion defining opposed, generally planar first and second surfaces, and a longitudinal axis; and an alignment line disposed on the first surface and extending along at least a portion of the length of the longitudinal axis.
 2. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 1 wherein the alignment line extends along the entire length of the longitudinal axis of the body portion.
 3. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 2 wherein the alignment line comprises: an elongate channel which extends along the entire length of the longitudinal axis of the body portion and is of a prescribed width and depth, the channel defining an inner surface; and a dark colored coating applied to the inner surface of the channel.
 4. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 2 wherein: the body portion has a peripheral edge including a spaced, generally parallel pair of longitudinally extending peripheral edge segments which are interconnected by an opposed pair of arcuate peripheral edge segments; the longitudinal axis extending between the arcuate peripheral edge segments such that the longitudinally extending peripheral edge segments are substantially equidistantly spaced from the longitudinal axis and extend in generally parallel relation thereto.
 5. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 4 further comprising an elongate pin portion integrally connected to and protruding from the second surface of the body portion, the pin portion defining a pin axis which extends generally perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis defined by the body portion.
 6. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 5 wherein the pin portion extends in substantially flush relation to one of the arcuate peripheral edge segments of the body portion.
 7. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 5 further comprising at least one flange support portion integrally connected to and extending between the pin portion and the second surface of the body portion.
 8. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 7 comprising a spaced pair of flange support portions integrally connected to and extending between the pin portion and the second surface of the body portion.
 9. A golf ball marking and alignment tool, comprising: an elongate body portion defining opposed, generally planar first and second surfaces, and a longitudinal axis; an alignment line disposed on the first surface and extending along at least a portion of the length of the longitudinal axis; and an elongate pin portion integrally connected to and protruding from the second surface of the body portion, the pin portion defining a pin axis which extends generally perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis defined by the body portion.
 10. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 9 wherein the alignment line extends along the entire length of the longitudinal axis of the body portion.
 11. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 9 wherein the alignment line comprises: an elongate channel which extends along the entire length of the longitudinal axis of the body portion and is of a prescribed width and depth, the channel defining an inner surface; and a dark colored coating applied to the inner surface of the channel.
 12. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 9 wherein: the body portion has a peripheral edge including a spaced, generally parallel pair of longitudinally extending peripheral edge segments which are interconnected by an opposed pair of arcuate peripheral edge segments; the longitudinal axis extending between the arcuate peripheral edge segments such that the longitudinally extending peripheral edge segments are substantially equidistantly spaced from the longitudinal axis and extend in generally parallel relation thereto.
 13. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 12 wherein the pin portion extends in substantially flush relation to one of the arcuate peripheral edge segments of the body portion.
 14. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 13 further comprising at least one flange support portion integrally connected to and extending between the pin portion and the second surface of the body portion.
 15. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 14 comprising a spaced pair of flange support portions integrally connected to and extending between the pin portion and the second surface of the body portion.
 16. A golf ball marking and alignment tool, comprising: an elongate body portion defining opposed, generally planar first and second surfaces, and a longitudinal axis; an alignment line disposed on the first surface and extending along at least a portion of the length of the longitudinal axis; and a spaced pair of elongate pin portions integrally connected to and protruding from the second surface of the body portion, the pin portions each defining a pin axis which extends generally perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis defined by the body portion.
 17. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 16 wherein: the body portion has a peripheral edge including a spaced, generally parallel pair of longitudinally extending peripheral edge segments which are interconnected by an opposed pair of arcuate peripheral edge segments; the longitudinal axis extending between the arcuate peripheral edge segments such that the longitudinally extending peripheral edge segments are substantially equidistantly spaced from the longitudinal axis and extend in generally parallel relation thereto.
 18. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 17 wherein the pin portions extend in substantially flush relation to respective ones of the arcuate peripheral edge segments of the body portion.
 19. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 18 further comprising a spaced pair of flange support portions integrally connected to and extending between each of the pin portions and the second surface of the body portion.
 20. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 16 wherein the alignment line extends along the entire length of the longitudinal axis of the body portion. 